The Ultimate Cornwall Bucket List: 25 Must-Do Experiences

Cornwall is a land of breathtaking coastlines, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, there’s always something new to discover. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s your ultimate Cornwall bucket list—25 must-do experiences to truly embrace the magic of Kernow.

🏖️ Coastal Wonders

1. Walk the South West Coast Path

With 300 miles of dramatic coastline, the South West Coast Path offers some of the most spectacular views in the country. Walking a section of this legendary trail will take you past rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and hidden coves. Popular routes include the Zennor to St Ives stretch, known for its wild, untamed beauty, and the Lizard Peninsula path, where turquoise waters meet windswept heathland. Whether you opt for a short stroll or a multi-day trek, the path offers an unforgettable way to experience Cornwall’s coastline.

2. Watch the Sunset at Land’s End

Cornwall’s westernmost point, Land’s End, is a must-visit for breathtaking sunsets. Standing on the cliffs, watching the sun dip below the horizon while the waves crash against the rocks, is an experience like no other. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or seals in the waters below. For an extra special visit, plan your trip on a clear evening and take a short walk along the coast to Sennen Cove, where the view is even more spectacular.

3. Explore Kynance Cove’s Turquoise Waters

With its white sands, serpentine rock formations, and vibrant blue water, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula is a place that looks almost too beautiful to be real. When the tide is low, you can explore the hidden caves and rock pools that make this cove so special. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and take in the unspoiled beauty of this natural wonder.

4. Discover Holywell Bay’s Secret Cave

Holywell Bay is famous for its huge sand dunes and dramatic coastline, but few people know about the hidden cave that appears at low tide. Inside, a calcified waterfall formed by mineral-rich spring water creates a stunning display of colours, ranging from deep orange to emerald green. This natural wonder feels like something from another world and is well worth the short trek from the beach. Just make sure to check the tide times before venturing in!

5. Take a Boat Trip to See Seals and Dolphins

Cornwall’s waters are home to a thriving population of grey seals, bottlenose dolphins, and even the occasional basking shark. Boat trips from places like Padstow, Falmouth, and Penzance offer a chance to see these incredible creatures up close. Some tours also take you around offshore islands, such as the Isles of Scilly or Seal Island near St Ives, where you can witness these marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

🌊 Water Adventures

6. Go Surfing at Fistral Beach

Cornwall is the UK’s surfing capital, and there’s no better place to catch a wave than Fistral Beach in Newquay. With consistent swells and surf schools for all levels, it’s the perfect place to learn or improve your skills. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros take on the waves while enjoying fish and chips from Rick Stein’s Fistral is an experience in itself.

7. Try Coasteering in St. Agnes

For thrill-seekers, coasteering is an adrenaline-fueled adventure that involves scrambling along cliffs, exploring sea caves, and leaping into deep water pools. St. Agnes offers some of the best coasteering routes in Cornwall, with dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Guided experiences ensure safety while making the most of the rugged coastline.

8. Kayak Along the Helford River

The Helford River is a peaceful, tree-lined waterway that feels a world away from Cornwall’s busy beaches. Paddling along the river by kayak or paddleboard takes you through hidden creeks, ancient oak woodlands, and quiet inlets, many of which inspired Daphne du Maurier’s novels. It’s also a great way to access the beautiful but remote Frenchman’s Creek.

9. Wild Swim at Golitha Falls

Tucked away in ancient woodland on Bodmin Moor, Golitha Falls is a magical series of waterfalls and pools. While the water is refreshingly cold, it’s an incredible place for a wild swim, surrounded by mossy trees and the sound of rushing water. It’s particularly stunning in autumn, when the leaves turn golden and the water levels are high.

10. Take a Sea Safari to St. Michael’s Mount

Rather than walking across the tidal causeway, take a boat trip around St. Michael’s Mount to see this iconic island from a completely different perspective. You’ll get up close to the castle’s dramatic cliffs and might even spot seals or seabirds nesting on the rocky shoreline. Afterward, explore the island itself, with its fairytale gardens and fascinating history.

🏰 History & Heritage

11. Visit Tintagel Castle – Legendary Home of King Arthur

Perched high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle is steeped in legend and mystery. The dramatic ruins, linked to the tale of King Arthur, offer spectacular views of the Atlantic. Cross the new Tintagel footbridge, explore Merlin’s Cave, and take in the magical atmosphere of this ancient site.

12. Wander Through the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Once forgotten and overgrown, the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey have been restored to their former glory. This 200-acre wonderland features hidden sculptures, exotic plants, and secret gardens, making it one of the most enchanting places in Cornwall.

13. Step Inside a Cornish Engine House

Cornwall’s tin mining heritage is written into its landscape. Visit a historic engine house, like Wheal Coates near St Agnes or Levant Mine near Pendeen, to learn about the industry that once powered Cornwall’s economy. Many of these sites offer coastal views that are just as breathtaking as their history.

14. Explore the Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno is an architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea. Watching a live performance here, with waves crashing in the background, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Even if you don’t see a show, the theatre is open for visitors during the day.

15. Discover the Merry Maidens Stone Circle

Cornwall is home to several ancient stone circles, but the Merry Maidens near Penzance is one of the most atmospheric. Legend has it that the stones were once 19 girls turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. It’s a magical place, especially at sunrise or sunset.

🍽️ Food & Drink

16. Eat a Proper Cornish Pasty

No trip to Cornwall is complete without sinking your teeth into a freshly baked Cornish pasty. These hearty, hand-crimped delights—traditionally filled with beef, potato, swede, and onion—were once the staple meal for tin miners. Today, pasty shops are found in almost every town, but for an authentic experience, grab one from Ann’s Pasties on the Lizard, Philps Bakery in Hayle, or St Ives Bakery and enjoy it while sitting on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

17. Have Cream Tea the Cornish Way

The age-old scone debate may never be settled, but in Cornwall, it’s jam first, then cream—no exceptions! A traditional cream tea, complete with fluffy scones, rich clotted cream, and homemade strawberry jam, is a must-try. Some of the best spots include Dolly’s Tea Room in Falmouth, The Rectory Tea Rooms in Morwenstow, and The Hidden Hut on the Roseland Peninsula, where you can enjoy it with a stunning coastal view.

18. Sample Fresh Seafood at a Harbour Town

Cornwall’s fishing heritage means you’re never far from some of the freshest seafood in the UK. Whether it’s lobster and crab in Padstow, mussels in Fowey, or freshly caught mackerel in Mevagissey, dining by the harbour with a plate of locally caught seafood is an experience to savour. For an unforgettable meal, book a table at Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow or The Fish House at Fistral Beach.

19. Visit Healey’s Cyder Farm

Cornwall is famous for its Rattler cider, and Healey’s Cyder Farm near Truro is where the magic happens. Take a tour to see how their cider is made, sample a variety of traditional and fruit-flavoured ciders, and enjoy a tractor ride around the orchards. You can even try their Cornish whiskey and brandy, distilled on-site.

20. Drink a Pint in Cornwall’s Oldest Pub

The Jamaica Inn, perched high on Bodmin Moor, has been welcoming travellers and smugglers since 1750. Made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, this historic pub is packed with eerie charm, open fireplaces, and even a haunted museum. Enjoy a pint of local ale or cider while soaking in the atmospheric surroundings—just beware of the ghosts!

🎭 Unique Experiences

21. Discover St. Nectan’s Glen – Cornwall’s Enchanted Waterfall

Hidden within ancient woodlands near Tintagel, St. Nectan’s Glen is one of Cornwall’s most magical and serene spots. A short walk through a moss-covered valley leads to a breathtaking 60ft waterfall, cascading through a natural hole in the rocks. The site has long been considered a spiritual place, with visitors leaving ribbons, crystals, and small tokens as offerings. Some believe the glen has mystical energy, linked to Cornish legends and Arthurian myths. Whether you come for the folklore or simply to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, this hidden gem is a must-visit.

22. Attend a Cornish Festival

Cornwall is known for its vibrant festivals, which celebrate everything from music and food to centuries-old traditions. Experience the Obby Oss Festival in Padstow, where locals parade through the streets with a hobby horse in one of Britain’s oldest May Day traditions. Or, if music is your thing, head to Boardmasters in Newquay for a weekend of surfing and live performances. Food lovers will enjoy Porthleven Food Festival, where Cornwall’s best chefs showcase their culinary skills.

23. Stargaze at Bodmin Moor’s Dark Sky Reserve

Away from the light pollution of cities, Bodmin Moor is one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. Officially designated a Dark Sky Reserve, the moor offers incredible views of the Milky Way, planets, and even meteor showers on a clear night. Head to Colliford Lake or St. Breward for some of the best vantage points, and don’t forget to bring a blanket and a flask of hot chocolate!

24. See the Bioluminescent Plankton at Night

One of Cornwall’s most magical natural phenomena occurs on warm summer nights when bioluminescent plankton make the waves glow a surreal blue-green. This rare event is best seen on quiet beaches like Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Porthcurno, and Perranporth. If you’re lucky enough to witness it, it’s like stepping into a fairytale as the waves sparkle under the moonlight.

25. Take a Steam Train Ride on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Step back in time and experience Cornwall’s railway heritage with a ride on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. This historic steam train runs through picturesque countryside, offering a nostalgic journey past woodlands, rivers, and rolling fields. It’s a fantastic way to experience Cornwall at a slower pace, and kids will love the old-fashioned carriages and steam whistle.

How Many Have You Ticked Off?

Cornwall is packed with unforgettable experiences, from stunning natural wonders to rich history and unique traditions. Whether you’re planning your next trip or looking for new adventures in your own backyard, this Cornwall bucket list is the perfect guide.

How many of these have you done? Let us know in the comments!